Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

S. Korea-UAE vice ministerial defense talks take place

- Vice Defense Minister Shin Beom-chul and his UAE counterpart discussed pressing defense and defense industry issues
- Shin explained the excellence of South Korean military weapon systems to make further exports following exports of M-SAM-Ⅱ

On July 11 (local time), Vice Defense Minister Shin Beom-chul met with Mattar Salem Ali Al Dhaheri, the Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of the UAE, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. They exchanged views on various pressing issues related to defense and the defense industry, including the regional security situation.

Both countries assessed that bilateral relations strengthened after a summit meeting in January and defense ministerial meeting in February. They noted that various efforts for defense cooperation are under way, including an exchange of visits by high-ranking military officials, military education, combined training and military cooperation with Korea's Akh unit stationed in the UAE. The two leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation to areas of common interest, such as cybersecurity and space.

In their discussion of pressing defense industry issues between the two countries, Vice Defense Minister Shin highlighted the superiority of weapon systems operated by the South Korean military, with the aim of expanding exports beyond the M-SAM-II. He also encouraged the UAE’s interest in these systems. Furthermore, he emphasized that defense plays a significant role in strengthening bilateral cooperation across various areas, including the economy, culture, and industry. Shin stated that South Korea is eager to deepen cooperation and explore new areas to foster mutually beneficial defense ties.

UAE Under-Secretary of Defense Al Dhaheri stated that bilateral defense and defense industry cooperation has made considerable contributions to the development of the military for both countries. He added that the UAE actively supports efforts by the international community and the Korean government for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. He suggested strengthening bilateral defense and defense industry cooperation.